Cultural Connections: Food, Drink, and Family with Pinarte
Let me take you back about 13 years ago. I was 21 years old and off on an adventure that would change my life. It was my second to last semester in college and I had to choose a country and a city to complete my study abroad program where I had to learn how to make cultural connections. I was all set to go to Kabul, Afghanistan- when my parents frantically told me they would be so incredibly worried if I were to go there at that point in time.
It was just as volatile, if not more back then. I remember a phone call with the director of a woman's organization in Kabul. During our conversation she told me each morning they would send for me in a private car with security, just so I would be safe. I think at that point I realized the panic I was putting my parents through. Though I still long to go to Kabul, it will have to be at a different time.
I was left with having to start all over in my quest to find a new country, new city, and new contacts all within a matter of two months time. I wanted to spend a good six months in the city and country I chose. So I was on a time crunch for sure. Stressed out, I went to my brother, who had previously gone through the same bachelor's degree program. I told him my frustration and he told me about a woman he knew who was from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
I didn't know much about the country or the culture. I knew they spoke Spanish-my vocabulary consisted of 'hola!' and 'si!' I met with her and within a matter of an hours time, she had called a friend of hers in Buenos Aires, set up a homestay with her, and told me I better go buy my ticket, because people were waiting for me in Buenos Aires, Argentina!
I lived in Buenos Aires for just under six months when I was 21 and during that I time I fell in love! Not with a man, but with people and a culture. One of the families I got to know quite well was la familia Riffo. I spent many a night and morning at their dining table drinking mate (a traditional drink in Argentina, shared among friends). There was not a week that went by that I wasn't invited over for Chilean empanadas or an asado (BBQ) with wine included of course!
During this time I became so very close to Mama Patri and her daughter, Luz. To this day they are an extension of my own family.
Creating Cultural Connections with Mariposa Skies
Ten years passed and I had yet to make it back to Buenos Aires. It was forever that I had seen them but ever since then, I make it a point to visit at least every other year, if not every year. Before my trip in 2016, I found out that Mama Patri (still a lawyer) had started making and designing fashionable items, in particular ponchos. I made it a point to bring back some of her amazing ponchos!
Here is a little glimpse into the day I spent getting to know Mama Patri's business- Pinarte.
As I entered Patricia's apartment-fried fish and lemon filled the air. The table was set with a lace cloth; two candles adorned the middle. It was so fancy for an afternoon meal, but for Patricia, cooking and having friends and family over was one of her most cherished things. I helped her with setting the rest of the table. I helped her bring out the fish, salad, bread and crisp white wine as we chit chatted about how much her son, Rorro would be so jealous that we are having his favorite meal-fried fish! Her husband Nemo joined us.
The three of us sat, ate and caught up on our families and how they were growing each year with new members being born. She has such a huge heart and as I sat there listening and watching her and Nemo, I felt so honored to be part of their family. She often calls me her hija (daughter) and I do call her Mama.
After lunch, she brought out a box of chocolates and a cafecito. We went through her Facebook business page- Pinarte- looking at each photo while she explained to me how much she loves creating and her passion for crocheting. Making these items-these ponchos-brings her so much happiness. I could see the tears well up in her eyes from all the joy this brings to her.
As I listened to her story, I got goose bumps and knew this is why what I am doing with Mariposa Skies is so important. I love fashion, but it is not only about the fashion I am bringing back to you. It is more about that connection to a culture and more importantly to a person. Whenever you wrap yourself up in one of Pinarte's ponchos I wish that you are filled with Mama Patri's happiness and feel her love.
Follow her on Facebook: @Pinarte
If you would like to learn more about the culture and people behind the looks of Mariposa Skies' fashion checkout another artisan:
To connect to someone else's culture through the traditions of their fashion, you can also check out these fashions from Bali and Morocco:
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